Dear friends,   

Long time no see. As every day gets busier, I delayed sharing one dear friend’s story. But today, I decided to take a break and focus on working on something that recharges me. Because it’s not only the recipients of Common Ground that, hopefully, get inspired by these stories, but mostly me. Connecting and discussing with every woman I host is heartwarming, but the time writing the story is also fulfilling and makes me go deeper into their thoughts and life views.  

The woman we host in this issue is Felisia Mendosa, born and raised in Ukraine and now a UK resident due to her marriage. Felisia grew up in an international family, as her dad is Bolivian. Her family is a true blessing for her, and she got her values from them: living with a loving family, health, and peace. Following these life goals, as she grows older, she attracts people with a positive mindset and the drive to grow. But even with the rest, which could be characterised as “toxic”, she chooses kindness to interact with.  

Felisia is the Travel and Events Director of an NGO. She is passionate about self-education and growth and focuses on health and freedom, which she considers true wealth. She includes healthy snacks, a walk in nature, breathing techniques, and good sleep daily to keep her body and spirit healthy. However, Fesilia’s passion is travelling. What fascinates her the most about it is exploring the world, meeting new people and having good conversations with them. Seeing sunrises and sunsets, kids laughing, and all the simple things.  

But this is the 2024 Felisia, after much work with herself. When the war started, Felisia started having panic attacks as she was feeling guilty for not being in Ukraine. She could not bear being safe in her home while her fellow Ukrainians were fighting for their lives. After doctors’ attention, instead of focusing on what was out of her control, she decided to focus on what she could do for her country from the comfort of her home: donate money, support those in need, and reach out to her acquaintances to share her love and support.  

But Felisia did not only have to win the guilt fight. The war forced her parents to leave Zaporizhzhiain and take refuge in Romania. They lost the life they had been building and the plan to finally retire in Ukraine. It was now Felisia’s turn to take care of them, and she still does, supporting them financially and standing by their side in their new life. It is not an easy share to take.  

However, she tries to see the good parts of daily life. Instead of grieving, she takes one day at a time. She uses her Instagram stories as a journal to remind herself about the little blessings of life and inspire others to do the same. To those who ask her how she can be in balance during these difficult times, her answer is simple: doing the best she can for herself, as she is the only one she has. Moreover, it is the only way to be functional and of service to other people. This is also her message to other Ukrainian women who left their homes and live abroad: Your courage to start your life from zero is admirable, and you should never forget that there is a community of women like you that you can count on.  

For the women who decided to stay to support their husbands, fathers, and brothers, who decided to raise their children in Ukraine, fight, work hard, and volunteer, her message is that you are the essence of strength. You are a true inspiration for women and men worldwide for what a woman is capable of.  

Felisia is one of the kindest people I know; she is loving and caring. A woman whom any person will connect with her would benefit from her good energy and beautiful discussions. Hopefully, you will see her around our future events, and I look forward to it!